Nelson Mandela

NELSON MANDELA

NelsonMandela

Born on July 18, 1918, was a former president of SouthAfrica, antiapartheid activist, a Black Nationalist, and Nobel PeacePrize Laureate. He played a significant role in the history of SouthAfrica. He remains one of the history’s greatest leaders with ahuge impact on many people’s lives, those living in South Africa aswell as other parts of the world. Indeed, he affected the world welive in thus, one of the best people in our times.

To start with, Nelson made a huge difference to the quality of lifefor people of color across the world, nations, communities, andtowns. He ensured the Blacks had an equal chance in life as theWhites. He was committed to change South African politics thatfollowed White majority rule. He organized series of peacefulprotests, disobedience of civil acts, and boycotts. Besides, hecampaigned for the defiance of unjust laws, peace, democracy, andfreedom for all. He believed all people opt to have the same rightsregardless of the color or race. He advocated for the right to votefor the Blacks in South Africa. Although the government branded himas “terrorist” and gave him a life imprisonment, Nelson did notchange his stand. He came out of prison after twenty-seven years andmade a public statement in which he forgave all those who were cruelto him and had thrown him in jail. This way, Mandela influenced theworld with an act of forgiveness. While he was in prison, countriesacross the world saw the importance of racial equality, and theystarted advocating for change. As a result, the South Africangovernment was under pressure and released him before his sentenceended.

Further, the abolition of apartheid in South Africa remains thegreatest legacy of Mandela. He promoted nonviolent action as a methodof protest. Previously, the country enforced racial division anddenied the Black the voting right until 1990 when Mandela negotiatedwith then President Frederick Willem de Klerk. Later in 1994, thecountry held its first multi-racial election. He peacefully managedto achieve this transformation despite the long history of a brutalpolice force and racial violence in the country. Today, apartheid hasno future to the South Africans, both to the Blacks and Whites. Evenafter his term as a president, he continued to spread equalitymessage around the world. He even served as a mediator between Libyaand Great Britain during The Lockerbie Case. Due to his effortstoward racial equality, he earned many international honors such asPresidential Medal of Freedom. Courtesy of Mandela’s determination,South Africa is now among the most progressive democracies globally.

Additionally, Mandela was a philanthropist. He gave back to thesociety in many ways. His charitable work included creations ofvarious foundations that benefit not only the South Africans, butalso other people around the world.

Indeed, Mandela brought a positive change in the world hence, one ofthe inspirational leaders to have walked the planet. He will foreverbe remembered as a leader who served humanity beyond his call ofduty. He showed the whole world that it is possible and imperative toforgive. He inspired his racial and political rivals to builddemocracy by working together. He was an influential leader even whenhe was in prison. Up to date, he stills remain a global icon forpeace.